Pollen & Allergies
Pollen is a common allergen that causes hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Although some patients are only affected seasonally, others are symptomatic year-round. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itching, headache, etc. Generally speaking, an allergy occurs when your body’s immune system overreacts to particles in the environment like pollen. Your immune system fights these allergens by producing antibodies that release chemicals. One major chemical that your body releases are histamine. Histamine causes the inflammatory response of an allergic reaction. Throughout the year, grasses, trees, and weeds produce small pollen grains. Pollen is carried by the wind and often remains airborne. So, on windy, dry, and hot days, the increased movement and distribution of pollen can result in heightened allergy symptoms. Pollen exposure can be limited by keeping your windows closed,...